A friendly reminder that we’re holding our Master Craftsman Study Group prior to each Stated Meeting at 5:45pm. This is your opportunity to enhance your understanding of the Craft, its degrees, and esoterica; and a chance to participate in true Masonic scholarship with your brothers. Our Venerable Master James Cervantes has graciously volunteered to lead the activities and guide us on our path.
If you’d like to attend, please prepare by visiting the website for information about the books and other information to get you started:
www.ocscottishrite.org/master-craftsman-program
The Master Craftsman Program
For those unaware, the Master Craftsman is a by-mail correspondence course. Each participant is required to do some scholarly reading in advance and complete a written quiz which is mailed to the Supreme Council for grading. As each quiz is completed, a new one is sent and the program progresses. The course consists of 7 quizzes, after completion of which the successful participant will receive a certificate and a lapel pin.
Our study group is being formed to enhance the experience through fraternal collaboration, discussion, and rumination. We have started our sessions at the very beginning: Master Craftsman: Symbolic Lodge and ESOTERIKA.
The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman: Symbolic Lodge course will familiarize students with aspects of the development of Blue Lodge Masonry and explore some of its developing symbolism. This will reveal that the “High Degrees” began to develop soon after formation of the Premier Grand Lodge (1717). Albert Pike’s book, Esoterika: The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry, along with Arturo de Hoyos’ Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (3d edition) will be used to demonstrate a rational and philosophical interpretation for much of what is found in Craft Masonry.
Quiz #1
Great news for newcomers! Due to the influx of interest in the program, we are starting back at square one in February at Quiz #1. This is a great opportunity for new members to start the year on the right track. If you want to join us, please purchase the books and read the following in preparation for the quiz:
Albert Pike’s Esoterika, pp. xvii-xliii and 75-88
The Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide, pp. 75-93
Note: If you don’t have the big Monitor and Guide book, let me know and I can get you a PDF document of the required reading.
You can also reach out to me directly for information and access to our Facebook group.
Thanks to all our brothers for your interest and participation. I’ll see you in the classroom!
Speaking of Facebook
Did you know that your Valley has a Facebook page? Be sure to stop by and like us next time you’re online!
